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Former world heavyweight champion, Joshua, is set to face Ngannou in Riyadh in March
On March 8th in Saudi Arabia, Anthony Joshua (34) is set to face former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Francis Ngannou (37). Joshua, a former heavyweight world champion, aims to continue his comeback after an impressive fifth-round stoppage of Otto Wallin last month.
Ngannou, originally from Cameroon, made his professional boxing debut in October, delivering a knockdown to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury before narrowly losing in a decision.
The two fighters will engage in a press conference in London later on Monday. Both Joshua’s recent victory over Wallin and Ngannou’s unexpected performance against Fury occurred in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlighting the country’s emergence as a preferred destination for major boxing events offering substantial purses.
In another significant bout, Tyson Fury is scheduled to face Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh on February 17th, aiming to determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.
Saudi Arabia has invested billions in hosting various sporting events, including the 2034 World Cup, the LIV Golf circuit, a Formula One Grand Prix, and football’s Club World Cup. Despite these endeavors, the country has faced criticism for alleged “sportswashing,” using sports to enhance its global image amid concerns about its human rights and environmental practices.
